# What is a request for quotation (RFQ)? > A request for quotation (RFQ) asks suppliers to price a clearly defined order. What to include, how it differs from an RFP, and how AI helps you write one. Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/request-for-quotation · Updated 2026-10-07 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com) [Business](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-business) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) Quick answer A request for quotation (RFQ) is a document a buyer sends to several suppliers asking each to price the same, clearly specified items or services: quantities, specifications, delivery date and terms. The buyer then compares the quotes side by side and usually picks on price and reliability. Last updated October 7, 2026 Updated October 7, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about) ## Why it matters for a small business An RFQ makes quotes comparable. If one supplier prices 500 boxes delivered in two weeks and another prices 400 picked up next month, you can't tell which is cheaper. When every supplier answers the same written questions, the comparison is quick and fair, and nobody can claim later that they misunderstood the order. It also creates a paper trail. The winning quote becomes the basis for the [purchase order](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/purchase-order), and the specs in the RFQ are what you check the delivery against. AI is useful for turning a rough need into a clear RFQ, and for laying the replies side by side in a table. The choice of supplier stays with you. ## In a real lesson: Build an AI Vendor Follow-Up Agent in n8n No Stepthrough lesson builds an RFQ, but the [AI Vendor Follow-Up Agent lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/ai-vendor-follow-up-agent-n8n) teaches the writing habit one needs. Ridgeline Supply Co., a made-up warehouse business, buys pallets, boxes, stretch wrap and janitorial supplies, and its agent's system message says every vendor message must "Name the PO number and what was ordered" and "Ask one clear question." Those rules work just as well before an order as after it. An RFQ that names the exact item and quantity and asks one clear question, the price and delivery date for this order, gets answers you can compare. The lesson also shows where the replies should land: a Google Sheet with one row per vendor. Collecting RFQ responses the same way, with columns for price, delivery date and terms, turns a pile of emails into a decision. [Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/n8n-ai-agent-operations) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/ai-vendor-follow-up-agent-n8n). ## Common confusions ### RFQ vs RFP A [request for proposal](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/request-for-proposal) asks suppliers how they would solve a problem, so answers differ in approach. An RFQ asks for a price on something already defined. ### RFQ vs quote The RFQ is the buyer's question. The quote is the supplier's answer. See [estimate vs quote](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/estimate-vs-quote) for how firm that answer is. ## Tips - Send every supplier the same RFQ, with the same specs and deadline. - Ask for price, delivery date, payment terms and how long the quote is valid. - Have AI put the replies into one table, then check the numbers against the original emails. ## Related terms [Request for proposal (RFP)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/request-for-proposal) · [Purchase requisition](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/purchase-requisition) · [Purchase order](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/purchase-order) · [Vendor management](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/vendor-management) · [Estimate, quote and bid](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/estimate-vs-quote) ## More Business terms [Resume screening](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/resume-screening) · [Retainer](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/retainer) · [Return on investment (ROI)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/return-on-investment) · [Sales forecast](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/sales-forecast) ## Where you use it: free lessons - [Build an AI Vendor Follow-Up Agent in n8n](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/ai-vendor-follow-up-agent-n8n) (n8n, 12 min) ## More free tutorials [AI for Operations](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/industry/operations) ## Frequently asked questions **How many suppliers should get an RFQ?** Three is a common number for routine purchases. It gives a fair comparison without creating more replies than you can review. **Can AI write an RFQ?** Yes. Describe what you need, the quantity and the deadline, and ask it to draft a clear RFQ. Check every spec and number yourself before it goes out. [All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)